Tale of the Tiny Discarded Tree

Draper's Acres, Winter of 2007

In October 1999 when we moved to our farm, we planted an 18" spruce tree where it would stand as a beacon to show the corner where the lawn ends and the gravel driveway branches off. This is needed to aid snow clearing so we don't ruin our lawn every winter. It was the perfect spot for the imperfect little tree. The tree is special to us as we had rescued it in 1994 from a large tree farm operation that threw out several hundred seedlings because they'd grown too large for the automatic tree planting equipment. We rescued 10 of the trees, deep down from a pile that had been left lying with their roots exposed to the sun for several hours. We planted them at home on our acreage, hoping they'd survive. The next year we retired from our military careers and left CFB Cold Lake, Alberta for the balmy climate of Saskatchewan. Along with our kids and belongings, we took our houseplants and six containers of sorry-looking seedlings which we transplanted into the garden of our new home. (The seedlings, not the kids.) We lived in town for five years. The seedlings were alive, but didn't thrive. Then came the move to the farm where we picked the healthiest seedling for the honored corner spot.

By 2010 the small spruce was still too small for Christmas lights. Although it wasn't actively growing, it was still green and healthy looking.

Draper's Acres, May 2010

Then during the summer of 2011, we noticed new growth at the ends of each little branch and it didn't look lopsided if you looked at it from the right angle.

Draper's Acres, Dec 2011

In 2013 the tree grew upwards and outwards, filling out yet still with its signature branch jutting out.  The gardener in me figures the roots had stretched out and down and the tree decided to put its efforts into growing topside. But my heart likes the thought that the little discarded tree finally realized it was home and would never be uprooted again.

Draper's Acres, Nov 2013

The tree was 20 years old in 2014 and continued its growth spurt--so much that when Nelson (and the boys who are hidden) went to string the lights, they had a tough time reaching the top branches. And oh, that tree shone through the darkness, a wonderful sight to behold during those long winter nights.

Draper's Acres, Dec 2014

It's hard to tell how tall the 2015 spruce tree is in this next photo, so that's when I decided I'd need to include the power line above it in all future shots.

Draper's Acres, Dec 2015

By 2017 the once-discarded spruce was over 14 feet tall as shown by the height of Nelson and JJ, the space between them and above them. To string the lights, JJ used two of those picker-upper things so it looked like he had extended lobster claws, but they did the trick of reaching the top of the tree. (For comparison, check out the 2010 photo to see the progress in the past 7 years!)

Draper's Acres, Nov 2017

Throughout the years we've lived on the farm, the tree has been the gathering place for family photos. It's a visual reference to the growth of the kids as well as the tree. Like this 2017 photo when all four kids were home for Christmas and after they went home, we were left with a beautiful memory of the event.

Draper's Acres, Christmas 2017

Draper's Acres, Nov 2018

The guys have gotten inventive over the years and last week when they went to string the lights, Nelson taped one of the picker-uppers to the end of a long handle. JJ held the lights up and they both circled the tree, winding the lights around as they went.

Draper's Acres, Nov 2019

A few hours after this year's tree was strung with lights, the moon tried to peek out and add to the light show. .

Draper's Acres, Nov 2019

So there you have the tale of the tiny discarded spruce tree. I only have one worry now...because of where we planted it, we may have to shave a bit off the top side if it reaches the power line. It's my fault--something I should have considered, but never imagined 20 years ago on that late October day when we moved to Draper's Acres to raise our family.

What started out as a tiny discarded tree provides us with immeasurable blessings throughout the year.

This post is also posted at https://www.inkwellinspirations.com/2019/11/tale-of-tiny-discarded-tree.html

Our Christmas Season Diary

Don't laugh, but this is a make-up post for all the weeks I've missed. It's also an answer to those people who keep asking if the kids came home for Christmas. You may have seen most of these on Facebook, but for those who aren't hooked up that social media platform, and also for the record, I present to you our Christmas diary.

Draper's Acres, Montmartre, SK, December 2012

The season started when we brought Grandma Alice out to Briercrest Christian College at Caronport, west of Moose Jaw, for a full day of Christmas spirit.

Nelson, his mom, Alice Draper, and his son, Jeremiah,
at Briercrest College, Caronport, SK, Dec 2012

The Briercrest experience involved a musical performance of Scrooge in the afternoon, followed by a fantastic turkey supper while listening to carols played on a harp, and then a choral presentation in the evening. The above photo was taken after the meal and while I admit it's a big fuzzy, the alternative is one that clearly showed the strain of the day - especially if you take in the 2 hr drive in winter driving conditions.

On my Dec 20th wedding anniversary, I headed into Regina to pick up Jessie who was flying in from Calgary. While in the city, I picked up Grandma Alice and we watched the planes come and go while waiting. We brought Grandma home with us so she could watch the Live Nativity our church was presenting the next day at the local Candiac Auction Mart.

What's Happening in the Barn? Finale at Candiac Auction Mart,
Candiac, SK, Dec 21st, 2012

The next morning, Jessica led the Praise and Worship at the Sunday morning service.

Jessica Draper, Praise and Worship leader, Church on the Hill,
Glenavon, SK, Dec 22, 2012

After  Christmas and Boxing Days, Nick's girlfriend, Alana, came to spend a day with us. That was a lot of fun playing the Wii and Connect games as we got to know her. Probably scared her with our competitiveness, too. I didn't want to make a big deal of taking photos of her, but I do have one of her as an angel in the Live Nativity. In the photo below, Alana is on the left side of the back row.

The Angels in Glenavon's Church on the Hill's Live Nativity,
at Candiac Auction Mart, Candiac, SK, Dec 21st, 2012

After Alana, our next guests were my sister Bonnie and her husband, Magnar, from Swan River, Manitoba. They stayed a precious 3 days and Bonnie and I spent some of that time outside. Of course I had my camera with me...

Bonnie Bremnes, at Draper's Acres, Montmartre, SK, Jan 1st, 2013

I love that photo of Bonnie. Don't you think she looks like one of those women in the Sears catalogue?

Magnar and Bonnie Bremnes with their Vibe at Draper's Acres,
Montmartre, Sk, Jan 2, 2013

The next day, Bonnie and Magnar had to get back to their jobs in Swan River where he's a minister, and a teacher at the Living Word Ministries and Bible College, and she's the college cook. So blessed to have them share some of their down time with us.

No sooner had Bonnie and Magnar left when Crystal, our oldest baby, came home for a visit and left the bright lights of Vancouver, BC behind. Her return was just what we needed for a family photo.

The Draper Family, clockwise starting at 12 o'clock:
Jeremiah, Nelson (dad), Jessica, Crystal, Nicholas, Anita Mae (mom),
taken at Draper's Acres, Montmartre, SK, January 2013

And then it was time for the girls to leave. First was Jessie as she had to get back to her final year of classes at Rocky Mountain Bible College in Calgary, AB. Does the term, Daddy's Girl, come to mind?

Jessica Draper and her dad, Nelson at Draper's Acres,
Montmartre, SK, Jan 2013

Here are the kids waiting for Jessie's flight to be called while under the harsh airport lights. They're trying to look serious for Dad. It sort of worked, eh.

Draper kids in birth order, L to R: Crystal, Jessica, Nicholas, and Jeremiah
at the Regina Int'l Airport, Jan 2013.

With the boys back in school, and Jessie gone, Crystal and I got down to some serious stuff like reading and writing. I really like this photo of Crystal because although she can be as loud and boisterous as the rest of them, she enjoys the quiet times, too.

Crystal Anne enjoying quiet time at Draper's Acres, Montmartre, SK, Jan 2013

Crystal Draper out walking past Draper's Acres, Montmartre, SK, Jan 2013

Mind you, after one of her jaunts outside with the bitterly cold wind biting her cheeks, she said she was ready to go back to the mild weather on the west coast. Ha ha.

After a wonderful week's visit, it was time to bring my baby to the airport. On the way, we stopped to take a pic of the sunrise and I like to think it's a beautiful reminder of her visit home this Christmas season.

Crystal Anne Draper and a Saskatchewan sunrise east of Francis, Jan 2013

And then she was off to Vancouver where her lonely sweetie, Chris, was waiting for her.

West Jet flight out of Regina Int'l Airport, January 2013

And there, my diary of our Christmas season from Dec 2012 to Jan 2013 is now posted for all our friends and relatives to see.

I hope you enjoyed this trip through time at Draper's Acres. You're welcome back anytime. : ) I'll leve you with this final photo taken from my kitchen view on New Year's Day.

Jan 1st, 2013 Sunrise, Draper's Acres, Montmartre, SK

Christmas in January

December was a quiet month for the Draper Family. Sure we made and decorated Christmas cookies...

We observed the beautiful sunrise on December 25th, gleeful at the lack of snow after an inspiring Candlelight service at church the night before. Yes, Christmas is beautiful with lightly falling snow, but usually we're knee deep in the stuff and tired from shoveling. This year we shared a quiet celebration of the birth of Jesus over 2000 years ago and commemorated the occasion by opening 'Santa' gifts, crazy as it sounds. The gifts were to keep everyone busy until our real Christmas celebration when the girls came home in January. 

We picked  Jessica up on January 1st after she flew in from a relief mission in Vietnam. It'd been July when we last saw her on our Thunder Bay trip. She looked great and was all excited about her trip. When she sat at the table drinking coffee and reading Rachelle McCalla's Love Inspired Suspense, it seemed like she'd never left home.

 

On Jan 10th, Crystal flew in from rainy Vancouver - or was it snowing this year on the west coast? With her arrival, our family of 6 was complete once more.

January 11th dawned as our day of delayed Christmas gift-giving. The sunrise wasn't as colorful as it had been on Dec 25th, neither had there been a huge snowfall.

While I worked in my office garage during the days, Jessie had joined me to practice her piano and from that, we found out she was still composing, but needed a new keyboard - one with the ability to use headphones so she could block out her roommates when needed. So in the photo below, the huge present on the left is a new keyboard with tracks for composing, a headphone jack, and a slot for a 32GB memory card.

One thing about setting up the tree this year... when our basement flooded last summer, the water didn't reach the 'Christmas closet' beneath the basement statirs, but it did get damp. I'm not sure if that's the reason, but when we set up our pre-lit tree, 80% of the lights didn't work. Nelson spent 2 hrs looking for the 'bad' light, yet couldn't find it. Later, at a Canadian Tire store where we went to buy more lights, I mentioned to the clerk that we had hoped the Christmas trees would be on sale and yet the stores didn't have any left. She said everyone was having trouble with their pre-lit trees.

So, I ask you... is the problem because of the damp year? Or because pre-lit trees are made to only work for 10-12 years before burning out? Since all the lights go out if one burns out and they make them without the capability of replacing the bulbs, only two options remain: buy a new tree, or buy new lights. We chose the latter because we couldn't find a cheap enough tree to replace our 10 yr old one. Instead, we bought new LED lights. As you can see from the photo, the new lights don't give off the light that the old ones do except for the blue which outshines the rest.

I also have to give credit to Nelson and the boys who contributed a huge amount of effort to this year's tree and decorations.

Although it was the middle of January, when it came to being with each other and sharing our laughter, the calendar date didn't really matter.

I realized something as I posted the above photo...it's strikingly similar to a photo taken in 2009:

Nick was more laid back this year. Possibly because of maturity now that he has his driver's license.

But probably because he's waiting for JJ to finish hamming around with his Reese's Peanut Butter Cup which weighed in at a hefty half pound.

Would we do another Christmas in January? While it isn't our preference, yes we would, if it means we can all be together. After all, we don't need a calendar to remember Christ's birthday. We can - and should - celebrate it any day.

Have you ever had a Christmas on a day other than December 25th?

My Childhood Christmases

I'm over at the Inkwell today with the post, Big Christmas Trees from Logging Country. I'm showing photos of Christmas in my childhood.


Christmas morning, 1960. Anita 3, sister Bonnie, 4.
Logging Camp #5, Stevens, Ontario


In my post, I talk about the Lulu dolls we're holding in the above picture, toys, Christmas trees and ornaments and my 50 yr old stocking. Stop in and say hi even if it's just to look at the pictures. :)

I credit my mom for taking so many photographs of my childhood so that I can share it now with you.

The questions for discussion are: Look at your own photo of a past Christmas. What do you remember about it? The gifts? The location? The people? Do you remember how you felt as you waited for the 'click' of the camera?

My Nativity Set Collection

I'm at Inkwell Inspirations today showing photos of my Nativity set collection and expaining how we ended up with so many.

Here's my east-facing kitchen window with several of them:

The questions for discussion over at the Inkwell today are about the presence of the 3 wisemen/kings at Jesus' birth...

Does it really matter, or is the symbolism sufficient?

What pieces do you think a Nativity set should contain?

 
If you have a few moments, drop by the Inkwell and see what all the fuss is about. :)

And to my dear husband who has put up with me for 35 yrs now, Happy Anniversary, honey. I love you.
 
Merry Christmas.
 
Anita Mae.

Christmas

I can't believe it's been a month since I posted here. I have to blame it in part on my other blogs here on my new website. Under the Blogs tab you'll find 4 of them including this one, but there's the Book Review blog under the Books tab and the Recipe blog under the Fun tab. My latest recipe is for sugar cookies and I have one of Nick from last year decorating a delightful Christmas tree sugar cookie. :)

I've also posted a whole page of Christmas theme jigsaw puzzles under the Fun tab.

Meanwhile, I've been busy at church taping all the worship sessions including this one with Nick and Nelson leading with O Little Town of Bethlehem. You can find more videos of Nick and Nelson on the Glenavon Church on the Hill YouTube Channel.

And if you're wondering what our weather is these days, this photo is a fairly good representation. Lots of frost, but not much snow with temperatures averaging 5 below freezing.

I'm really missing Jessie this year because she would be coming home right about now to help with last minute preparations. Instead, she flew out at noon today to Vietnam where she's a relief worker for the orphanage missionaries so they can come back to their families for the season.

But she'll be home at the beginning of January to spend a couple weeks with us. Meanwhile, please pray for her.

Crystal won't be home for Christmas this year, either as she'll be coming home when Jessie comes in January.

Bonnie and Magnar are our other Christmas regulars but they won't be here this year either because they're helping Sonya Rose move to Fort McMurray, Alberta during the holidays. However, we'll get to see them this coming week when we meet them in Regina so it won't be too bad.
I've got a big weekend coming up because I'm baking tomorrow and decorating (finally) on Sat/Sun. I am in the minority here with all these men/boys around and for some reason, they don't want to sit around listening to Christmas carols or even decorate. But I intend to get them moving this weekend. I'll let you see how it goes. :)

Anita.

Christmas Song Spotlight: He is Born by Sawyer Brown

Today's Christmas Song Spotlight is Saywer Brown singing He is Born in their own church. I first saw this video on TV a couple year's ago and never forgot the unbridled passion of this group's enthusiasm for their song.



I can't believe I found this video! This says it all for this Christmas Day 2010.

Merry Christmas.

Christmas Song Spotlight: Love Came Down at Christmas

Today's Christmas Song Spotlight is Love Came Down at Christmas written and sung by Jars of Clay.



I really like the sound of this band.

Have a very Merry Christmas and thank you for joining me on my Christmas Spotlight Series.

My Faith Fiction at the Inkwell: The Shepherd

I have a short piece of inspirational romance over at the Inkwell today called The Shepherd.

And if you think you've read it before, you may have read the secular version I posted at Prairie Chicks Write Romance last year.

This Inkwell version is a faith-filled story of hope and promise.

Which reminds me... I have to apologize to 3 authors for my 2009 book review of The Magic of Christmas which I received as a free copy.

I believe I did a disservice to Carolyn Davidson when I wrote: The first novella, however was written by Carolyn Davidson. a new author to me. I have to say I wonder what the editors were thinking when they put her novella first in this anthology. Why? Because I expected something Christmassy with love and forgiveness - especially after looking at the gorgeous cover with a young couple holding a baby. But, the first novella starts with disease, death and was depressing to me. I actually wondered why I was reading it.

Ever since I wrote that review I've questioned myself. Rarely do stories start with the 'happily ever after'. And even the biblical story of Jesus' birth starts with strife when Joseph is faced with the news that his betrothed is pregnant and not by him - a condition which could have led to Mary being stoned if he decided to press the issue.

With each story I read and wrote this past year, I thought about the words I'd written about Carolyn's novella, 'A Christmas Child'. Yes, it starts with disease and death, but that's because the heroine is at a low point in her life when we pick up her story. We need to know what she went through so we can appreciate her emotional state as new events unfold.

So, I'm sending out an apology to Carolyn Davidson, Victoria Bylin and Cheryl St. John who are the 3 co-authors of The Magic of Christmas. And I'm telling the rest of you that if you enjoy reading secular historicals for a feel-good feeling, this book is certainly one you should read.

Please leave a comment if you have anything to say about this post or my inspirational romance at the Inkwell.

Christmas Song Spotlight: Joseph's Song

Today's Christmas Song Spotlight is Joseph's Song by Michael Card. I'm not familiar with this singer, but the words touched my heart and the video pics enhanced the song.



I hope you're enjoying my Christmas Song Spotlight series. The songs may not be all well known, but together they let you know what's in my heart this season.

Christmas Song Spotlight: Take a Walk Through Bethlehem

Today's Christmas Song Spotlight is Talk a Walk Through Bethlehem sung by Trisha Yearwood and a favourite of mine.



malmal1392 is to be commended for putting such a heartfelt youtube video together with Trisha's music.

By the way, when the ad banner pops up across the bottom of the video, you can get rid of it by clicking on the little x in the top right corner of it.

Christmas Song Spotlight: Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)

Today's Christmas Song Spotlight is Amy Grant's Breath of Heaven. This is Mary's song of love and awe as she gives birth to Jesus whom she's been told is the son of God. I can't even begin to imagine the emotional and mental strength it took for her to believe and carry through this miraculous event.



Such a beautiful song.

Christmas Song Spotlight: Christmas Must Be Tonight

Today's Christmas Song Spotlight is Christmas Must Be Tonight. It's a beautiful song about the night Jesus was born.



Written by Robbie Robertson and originally performed by The Band, this youtube version was recorded by Tulsa's own SPARKPLUG: Cindy Cain, Don Miller, Rusty Miller.

Why hasn't this cover been recorded more?

Christmas Song Spotlight: Po Folks Christmas

Today's Christmas Song Spotlight is Whispering Bill Anderson singing Po Folks Christmas. Yes, this is an old song from the 60's and is the Christmas version of his hit song. I like this song because it reminds me that even when I feel poor and down, there's someone worse off than me.



I was a little girl when I first heard this on the radio so please forgive me as I reminisce.

Christmas Song Spotlight: Once Upon A Christmas

Today's Christmas Song Spotlight is Once Upon A Christmas written by Dolly Parton. This video was first seen on Dolly and Kenny's Christmas special in the early 90's. My family developed an annual tradition of decorating the Christmas tree while this special aired in the background.



I've only heard one other version of this song and although it's very good, it doesn't give me the memories as this one by Dolly and Kenny.

Christmas Song Spotlight: Warm & Fuzzy Billy Gilman

Billy Gilman was about 12 yrs old when he made this Warm and Fuzzy video. Billy's smooth, classy act is a seasonal favourite in our house.



Love those brows! I've seen a current non-Christmas video of Billy Gilman as he reaches adulthood. His powerful voice now contains a richness which only maturity can instill. I sure hope an album and updated videos are in the works.

Christmas Song Spotlight: The Christmas Shoes

Ready for a tear jerker? The Christmas Shoes is a movie about a boy who wants to buy his mom special shoes for Christmas except he hasn't enough money.



The Christmas Shoes song was written and performed by New Song. Based on the song, this version was posted on youtube by benfreeze and is a project from Film School.

So, did you cry? I did. sigh.

Christmas Song Spotlight: Let It Be Christmas

Here's Alan Jackson singing Let It Be Christmas on the 2007 TV special Christmas in Washington on  TNT.



I tried to locate the CMT video where his wife and girls join him on stage, but could only find the Spanish version with pop-ups. So, if anyone knows where there's a youtube version, please let me know.

Thank you merryxmasbaby for this video.

Christmas Song Spotlight: Carol of the Bells Holdman Style

This is fantastic! It's like those fireworks displays that are set to music except the Holdman family do it at their house in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Can you imagine living across from this...



Actually, the Holdman's use this oppotunity to raise money for the Make-A-Wish foundation. For some of the technical aspects and calendar of events, check out their website.

Christmas Song Spotlight: Where are You Christmas?

Faith Hill sings Where are You Christmas? in the movie The Grinch.



People are always searching for Something, aren't they? Are you?